State Unemployment Rate 7.3 Percent in September

on October 14, 2015

West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased three-tenths of a percentage point to 7.3 percent in September 2015. The number of unemployed state residents decreased 2,000 to 57,800. Total unemployment was up 8,900 over the year. The national unemployment rate remained at 5.1 percent.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased 1,600 in September with the gain solely in the service-providing sector.

Within the goods-producing sector, employment decreased by 300 in mining and logging, while manufacturing increased by 300. Employment in construction was unchanged. Within the service-providing sector, employment increases included 1,000 in trade, transportation and utilities, 300 in financial activities, and 3,300 in government. Employment declines included 1,100 in professional and business services, 700 in educational and health services, and 600 in both leisure and hospitality and other services. Employment in Information was unchanged.

Since September 2014, total nonfarm payroll employment has decreased by 11,400. Employment gains included 500 in manufacturing, 1,600 in trade, transportation, and utilities, and 1,800 in educational and health services. Employment declines included 3,700 in mining and logging, 5,800 in construction, 200 in information, 500 in financial activities, 600 in professional and business services, 3,000 in leisure and hospitality, 700 in other services, and 800 in government.

West Virginia’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased nine-tenths of a percentage point to 6.3 percent.